The Winner's Curse

Title: The Winner's Curse

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Pages: 355

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Source: Bought

Rating: 4/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
Winning what you want may cost you everything you love 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

One thing I loved about this book is how different it was to anything else I'd ever read. Yes, it was all romantic and about love and two people getting together, but the one thing that was different about it, is that it was told from several people's perspectives, but never the couples. For example, a teacher, a barista and a delivery guy as well as the couples friends. We even saw the view points of a bench and a squirrel! It is definitely a unique book in that respect, which is something I definitely enjoyed. I think it was particularly refreshing actually, having a story told but never by the main characters in the story. I thought it was an interesting idea that Sandy Hall did really well. 

Other than the unique aspect of the different view points, the book was fairly good but I think it was very predictable, not that this is a problem - it means you don't have to concentrate on it too much at all, making it light read that you can breeze through! It had an adorable but dorky romance which the book was centred around, which was made good by having the different perspectives of it. It is short, but sweet. I got through it fairly quickly so would definitely say that it is a nice, quick read, if that's something that you're looking for. 

Oh, and can we just talk about the cover? I know I don't usually talk about book covers in reviews, but I just love this one. I think it's so pretty and I just love the colours and how well they go together. I also like how different parts of the book are featured on the cover!

Shadow and Bone

Title: Shadow and Bone 

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 358

Publisher: Orion Books

Source: Bought

Rating: 4.5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka. Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free? The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him. But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

I'm a bit late catching onto this series, as I only heard about it when Ruin and Rising was released just last month, but seeing how many people were raving about this book, I thought I ought to give it a go!

I really, really enjoyed Shadow and Bone. I love it when books are full of adventure, and this is just that! It was so well thought out and I just loved the whole story. It was mostly fast paced which meant that the book completely captured my attention and then kept it throughout the book. 

The main character, Alina, is a good character. She wasn't weak, or really that dependent on anyone else, which I liked. I hate when you're reading a book and the main character is just so dependent on others! I enjoyed being in Alina's mind, and seeing her come into her own and accept her 'gift'. I also enjoyed the last couple of chapters where Alina really came into her power.

One thing I liked was seeing how her relationships evolved with the different characters, such as Mal, The Darkling and Genya. Although can I just say, the Darkling was so annoying at times. I really found that he got on my nerves at time. I also didn't really know where that plot line with Zoya was going (maybe I just need to wait till the next book..) but still! Oh and can I just say, Mal and Alina! Ugh, I just want them to be together!

Another thing I liked about this book was the different things in it, such as the different powers and the names of things, such as Ravka and Kvas. I also liked the feature of Morozona's Herd and the Volcra. What I liked about this book, which relates to the Volcra, is the little story behind these creatures. It definitely added a new dimension to some parts in the book.

You know, Shadow and Bone was just really great because it put me more in the mood to read more fantasy books, and I just want to get on and read the next book already (which I've ordered)! I can't wait!


Have you read Shadow and Bone? If so, what did you think? If not, are you hoping to read it soon? Is it sat on your TBR list, or are you currently reading it now? Let me know what you thought of Shadow and Bone!

Under the Never Sky

Title: Under the Never Sky

Author: Veronica Rossi
Pages: 374

Publisher: Atom

Source: Library

Rating: 4/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.  Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

Hi everyone! When you read this, I'll be on holiday in Zante for the week! I've got a couple of posts lined up so follow me on Bloglovin' to stay tuned!

I've been wanting to read Under the Never Sky for quite some time, but never got round to it until now and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. At first, it took me a little while to get into the book, but I think that's more down to the fact that I was still in Contemporary book mode, rather than Fantasy book mode!

Under the Never Sky was quite fast paced, with a very good story line. I liked that there was a separation between both the main characters, and the way that Rossi had split the book into two almost by having chapters alternating between the characters. I thought this was good as it made sure we had an insight into both characters head and the way they were feeling throughout the book

I liked Aria, and how her character developed throughout the book. Her character really progressed throughout the book as she became much more confident and stronger. I also liked Perry, despite the fact that he had a little bit of a temper. 

This book featured adventure, but also had obstacles within the book that the characters had to overcome, which I enjoyed reading. I felt like this added an extra story to the main one, which was good. I love a good adventure/fantasy book, and seeing that I was in contemporary mode and didn't have much thought for it, the more I read, the more engaged I became. I think that the fact that this book was pretty full of adventures, this really helped to engage me in the story. There were times when I was at work, where all I wanted to do was read this book as I just felt that some of the parts of this book were just so good, that I wanted to keep on reading!

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book and get on with the series!


Have you read Under the Never Sky? If so, what did you think? If not, are you hoping to read it soon? Is it sat on your TBR list, or are you currently reading it now? Let me know what you thought of Under the Never Sky!